I absolutely love cooking outside in our backyard. There’s something magical about the smell of food cooking in the open air that just can’t be matched by anything in your kitchen.
My family teases me about my outdoor cooking obsession, but they’re always first in line when dinner’s ready! I’ve spent years figuring out what actually works for backyard cooking, and I’ve learned that having the right gear makes all the difference between a stressful mess and a fun cooking experience.
You don’t need fancy stuff to get started, but a few smart choices will save you so many headaches. I want to share my favorite outdoor cooking equipment that’s made my backyard meals so much better.
These aren’t just random recommendations – they’re things I’ve tested through countless cookouts, surprise rain showers, and those times when you realize you forgot something important inside. Think of this as your friendly guide from someone who’s made all the mistakes so you don’t have to!
Essential Equipment for Outdoor Chefs
I’ve put together this list after years of trial and error in my own backyard. Some things I thought I needed turned out to be useless, while other items became absolute must-haves. What works for your space might be different, but these basics will get you started without wasting money on stuff you’ll never use.
Portable Stove & Fuel
A good portable stove changed my whole outdoor cooking game. I started with a tiny camping stove that was super frustrating – everything took forever to cook and it tipped over if you looked at it wrong. Now I use a double-burner propane stove that sits on my outdoor table, and it’s perfect for cooking things that don’t work well on the grill.
Get a stove with wind guards if you can – they make a huge difference when it’s breezy. Always keep extra propane or fuel handy because running out mid-recipe is the worst. I learned this lesson while making paella for friends and had to run to the store with rice half-cooked!
Cookware
You don’t need special outdoor cookware, but you do need sturdy stuff. I use cast iron for almost everything outside because it’s basically indestructible. A good 12-inch cast iron skillet can do practically anything from cornbread to stir-fry.
For boiling water or making sauces, I like stainless steel pots with handles that stay cool. Don’t bring your non-stick pans outside – they scratch too easily in the outdoor environment.
My favorite outdoor cookware piece is actually a deep cast iron dutch oven because you can use it on a stove, over a fire, or even buried in coals for slow cooking.
Utensils
Long-handled utensils are absolutely worth buying for outdoor cooking. Regular kitchen spatulas and tongs will have you burning your arm hair off over the grill. I keep a set of metal utensils with wooden handles just for outdoor use.
A sturdy spatula, good tongs, a large serving spoon, and a meat fork cover most cooking needs. I hang mine on hooks on our outdoor storage cabinet so they’re always right where I need them.
Metal utensils are better than plastic for outdoor cooking since they won’t melt if you accidentally leave them too close to the heat.
Cutting Board
A solid cutting board is essential for outdoor cooking prep. I use a thick plastic one that can go in the dishwasher afterward. Wood cutting boards are beautiful but more high-maintenance for outdoor use.
Get one with a groove around the edge to catch juices, especially if you’re cutting meat or juicy tomatoes. I like having at least two boards outside – one for raw meat and one for everything else.
They don’t need to be huge, but make sure they’re stable and won’t slide around on your prep surface.
Grilling Supplies
Even if you’re not exclusively grilling, some grilling tools are super useful for any outdoor cooking. A grill brush is essential for cleaning cooking grates whether you have a fancy grill or a simple fire pit with a grate.
You can easily find an outdoor fire pit grill online or at local specialized stores.
Heat-resistant gloves are way better than regular oven mitts outside. A chimney starter is the easiest way to get charcoal going without lighter fluid.
My favorite grilling accessory is actually a grill basket for vegetables – it keeps smaller pieces from falling through the grates. Don’t forget aluminum foil – it’s perfect for wrapping corn on the cob or making little packets of fish with herbs.
Food Storage & Prep
Keeping food fresh and safe outside requires some planning. I use covered containers to keep bugs away from prepped ingredients. A simple plastic bin with a lid works great for storing utensils, spices, and small items.
Coolers are essential – I use a large one for drinks and a smaller one for perishable foods. Adding frozen water bottles to your cooler instead of loose ice keeps everything from getting waterlogged.
Zip-top bags take up less space than containers and are perfect for marinating. I also keep a roll of paper towels in a holder that won’t blow away – you’ll use them constantly.
Beverage & Fire Tools
Drinks are half the fun of outdoor cooking! A sturdy bottle opener and corkscrew that stay outside save so many trips back to the kitchen. For mixed drinks, I keep a shaker and basic bar tools in our outdoor cabinet.
If you’re cooking over wood, a poker and long matches or a lighter are must-haves. My fire gloves do double duty for arranging logs and moving hot cookware.
A dedicated lighter for the grill means you’re not constantly searching for one. Water should always be nearby – both for drinking and for safety reasons.
Safety Gear
Speaking of safety, a few items make outdoor cooking much less risky. A fire extinguisher is non-negotiable – get one rated for grease fires and keep it easily accessible.
I learned this lesson when a friend’s grill flared up unexpectedly! Heat-resistant gloves protect your hands way better than regular oven mitts. A first aid kit should be part of your outdoor setup for minor burns and cuts.
A good flashlight or headlamp is essential for seeing what you’re cooking after dark. I also keep a small battery-powered fan nearby to blow smoke away from the cook’s face on still days.
Ambiance and Comfort Additions
Cooking outside should be fun, not just functional! String lights make a huge difference for evening cooking and eating. A bluetooth speaker brings music to your cooking area without risking your phone near heat and water.
Comfortable seating nearby means you can rest while watching the grill. Citronella candles or torches help keep bugs away from both the cook and the food.
We added a small outdoor rug that defines our cooking space and makes standing more comfortable. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses if you’re cooking during sunny days.
Maintenance and Clean-up Tools
Clean-up is so much easier with the right tools. A small hand-held broom and dustpan help with quick cleanups of spilled herbs or dropped food. Trash bags should always be handy – I hang one from a dedicated hook on our outdoor kitchen.
Spray bottles with cleaning solution make wiping down surfaces much easier. Paper towels are essential, but cloth towels are better for bigger spills. I keep a container of wet wipes outside for quick hand cleaning between tasks.
A good scrub brush for the grill grates and other surfaces makes end-of-day cleanup faster.
Refrigerator
If you’re lucky enough to have space and budget for an outdoor refrigerator, it’s a game-changer. We added a small under-counter fridge last year and I can’t believe we waited so long.
It doesn’t need to be fancy – just big enough for drinks and a few perishable ingredients. Look for one that’s rated for outdoor use since regular indoor fridges can’t handle temperature fluctuations.
Even a small drink cooler with a drain makes ice last longer than a regular cooler. If a fridge isn’t possible, a high-quality cooler with wheels makes a good substitute.
Grilling Essentials
Even though I mentioned some grilling supplies earlier, there are a few more specialized items worth having. A good instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking meat safely.
Skewers, both metal and wooden, are incredibly versatile for cooking all sorts of foods. A fish basket makes grilling delicate fish so much easier. Cedar planks add amazing flavor to salmon and other foods.
Grill mats are perfect for cooking small items that would fall through the grates. I also love having a dedicated grill light that attaches to the grill handle for evening cooking.
Conclusion
The best part about setting up your outdoor cooking space is that you can start simple and add things as you go. You don’t need everything on this list right away – begin with the basics and see what you actually use.
My outdoor cooking setup evolved over several years as I figured out what worked for our family and our space. Pay attention to what frustrates you when cooking outside, then find solutions for those specific problems.
Quality matters more than quantity with outdoor cooking gear since it has to stand up to weather and heavy use. The goal isn’t to recreate your indoor kitchen outside, but to make cooking in the fresh air enjoyable and stress-free.
Happy outdoor cooking, friends – there’s nothing better than gathering around food you’ve prepared under the open sky!
